Electrical Functional Unit and Method for its Production

ABSTRACT

An electrical component includes a body made from a stack of ceramic layers. The body has a cavity that is accessible external to the body. The cavity is defined by a wall. A contact surface is on the wall. A contact device is electrically connected to the contact surface. At least part of the contact device is external to the body. The contact device includes a connection part and a spring. The spring is between the body and the connection part. The spring is for exerting a spring force on the contact surface.

The invention concerns an electrical functional unit with a body which is formed from a stack of ceramic layers lying on top of one another.

A piezoelectric actuator with a basic body that contains a stack of piezoelectric layers lying on top of one another and electrode layers in-between, wherein the piezoelectric layers contain ceramic material and are sintered with the electrode layers, is known from the publication WO03/094252A2. Perpendicular to the electrode layers is a hole running through the basic body, into which a rod is inserted.

The aforementioned electrical functional unit is known from the publication JP03151677A, in which internal electrodes of a piezoelectric actuator are contacted by an elastic element, wherein the elastic element can follow the movement of the piezoelectric actuator during operation.

The goal of the invention under consideration is to describe an electrical functional unit in which the electrical contact takes place in a reliable manner.

This goal is obtained by a functional unit according to Patent Claim 1. Advantageous developments of the functional unit and a method for the production of the functional unit are the object of the other patent claims.

An electrical functional unit with a body is indicated. The body is preferably formed from a stack of ceramic layers on top of one another.

The ceramic layers can be, for example, layers with piezoelectric properties. In this case, the electrical functional unit can be a piezoelectric actuator. Preferably, electrode layers, which are contacted outwardly, are in this case also arranged between the ceramic layers, so that a voltage can be applied to a condenser whose dielectric is filled with a piezoelectric material.

A cavity can be provided that is found in the body and is accessible from the outside. The cavity has a wall, on which a contact surface can be placed. The contact surface is preferably connected with an electrical functional element in an electrically conductive manner. Such an electrical functional element can, for example, be an electrode layer of a multilayer piezoelectric actuator.

Moreover, a contact device is preferably provided that is suitable for contacting the contact surface. The contact device can also be connected from outside the body. For example, contact wires can be soldered on from the outside of the contact device or fixed, in an electrically conductive manner, in some other way.

Furthermore, provision is made so that the contact device comprises a contact spring that exerts an elastic force on the contact surface.

The electrical contact between the contact device and the contact surface is mediated by the contact spring.

The invention under consideration utilizes a concept wherein contacting of a contact surface takes place in the interior of the body. In this way, the contacting of disturbing external influences, for example, mechanical influences, is decoupled. Moreover, the advantage of an economizing of space can be obtained by integrating the contact device into the interior of the body.

Moreover, in contrast to a contacting from the outside, room remains on the outside of the body for other necessary elements, such as a cooling device, for example.

Furthermore, since the contacting is effected by means of a contact spring, it is insensitive to mechanical influences that occur, for example, during the contraction or expansion of a piezoelectric actuator in the longitudinal direction.

In particular, the type of contacting described here can be used advantageously with moved components, such as piezoelectric stacks.

It is particularly advantageous if the contact device is located, in a displaceable manner, in the cavity of the body. In this way, the contact device can be displaced as a whole, for example, to react to mechanical external or internal influences. For instance, with a decreasing electrical contact after many operating hours of the electrical functional unit, a simple servicing of the electrical contact can be done by taking out the contact device.

Preferably, the contact device is inserted into the cavity. This design of the electrical functional unit has the advantage that the steps for production of the body and the steps for production of the electrical contact can be separated from one another with regard to time, and also with regard to place. In this way, for example, materials can be used for the electrical contact device which need not be compatible with the processing steps used for the production of the body or the electrical functional unit.

Moreover, it is advantageous if the contact device can be inserted. It need not necessarily be displaceable. Rather, it is also sufficient to obtain the aforementioned advantage if the contact device can be inserted once and then, for example, remain in the body by means of a locking device. It need not always be displaceable in the body or in the cavity.

Moreover, it is advantageous if one or more contact springs are provided that procure the electrical contact with the contact surface and at the same time make it possible to connect or contact the contact device electrically from outside the body.

In one embodiment of the functional unit, provision is made so that the contact surface is connected with an electrically conductive functional element located in the interior of the body. With the aid of such an embodiment, it is possible to contact an electrical functional element in the interior of the body from the outside with the aid of the contact device.

In another embodiment of the functional unit, provision is made so that the contact surface is formed by a cover which at least partially covers the wall of the cavity. The entire wall of the cavity need not necessarily be covered. It is sufficient if a covering of the cavity wall is provided at certain places provided for contacting. In another embodiment of the functional unit, the entire wall of the cavity can also be covered with a cover. The cover is preferably made throughout of an electrically conductive material, but this is not absolutely necessary. It is sufficient if the cover is electrically conductive at places provided for the purpose, so as to be able to procure a contact for the contact device.

In another embodiment of the functional unit, the contact device has a connecting part projecting from the cavity. This connecting part is connected with the contact spring in an electrically conductive manner. Furthermore, the connecting part can be further contacted from the outside, for example, by clamping or soldering on an electrically conductive wire. With the aid of the connecting part projecting outwards, a functional separation can be obtained between an elastic electrical contact and outward contactability. This has the advantage that each of the two functions can be optimized with regard to the form of the element fulfilling the function to be selected, and also with regard to the materials to be selected.

However, this does not mean that the two functions must necessarily be implemented in separate elements. There are embodiments of the functional unit in which the contact spring is simultaneously used for the external contacting.

In one embodiment of the functional unit, the cover is formed by a metal sheet. This metal sheet can, for example, have the form of a tube and thereby cover the wall of a hole-shaped cavity in the body.

In another embodiment of the functional unit, the cover is formed by a metal-containing baking paste. This baking paste can, for example, be spread on the wall of the hole, and subsequently be baked on the surface of the wall at a suitable temperature.

In another embodiment of the functional unit, a cover is provided in the form of a conductive adhesive. The conductive adhesive can be applied to the wall of the cavity by means of a brush, for example.

In another embodiment of the functional unit, provision is made so that the cover is formed by a wire coiled in the shape of a screw. It can be a round wire or also a wire with a rectangular cross section.

In an embodiment of the functional unit, provision is made so that the contact device is formed by an elastic tube slit in the longitudinal direction. This embodiment has the advantage that the function of elastic contact with the contact surface and the function of capability for contact from the outside can be obtained with a single element—namely, with the elastic tube. In this way, the functional unit has a particularly simple and compact structure.

In another embodiment of the functional unit, provision is made so that a separate connecting part is part of the contact device. This connecting part can, for example, be a metal rod. The connecting part can, however, also be formed by wires twisted together with one another.

In another embodiment of the functional unit, a spring part is provided that has the form of a bent, elastic sheet.

In another embodiment, the spring part can be formed by a tube with a corrugated wall. An elastic force can be produced between the spring part and the contact surface by the undulating wall.

In another embodiment of the functional unit, the spring part can be formed by the bristles of a tube brush. In particular, metal or electrically conductive bristles can be taken into consideration, which are affixed, for example, on wires twisted together with one another.

In another embodiment of the functional unit, the spring part can have the form of a wire mesh.

In an embodiment of the functional unit, a large number of electrical functional elements are provided, wherein these functional elements are formed in the shape of electrically conductive electrode layers that are placed between the ceramic layers.

With the aid of such functional elements, it is possible to implement, for example, a piezoelectric actuator as an electrical functional unit.

In another embodiment, it is possible to provide for the cover to be sintered into the cavity. In this way, a firm mechanical union is advantageously formed between the body and the cover, so that the risk of detachment of the cover is in particular reduced during contraction or expansion movements of the body.

In a special embodiment of the functional unit, provision is made so that the functional unit produces mechanical stresses during operation. These mechanical stresses can, for example, be contractions or expansions in a longitudinal direction.

In another embodiment of the functional unit, the cavity is shaped in the form of a hole running in the body. In this case, the cover can preferably have the form of a tube that is adapted to the hole. In a special embodiment, the body of the functional unit is produced by the joint sintering of several green ceramic laminations lying on top of one another, wherein by a suitable adaptation of the length of the tube and the external diameter of the tube, a solid sintering of the tube into the hole can be obtained.

In a special embodiment, provision may be made so that the tube is held in the hole by forces resulting from sintering shrinkage, which are directed toward the interior of the hole.

Moreover, it is advantageous if the material of the tube is the same as the material of the electrode layers. In this case, the material diversity can be reduced, and moreover, a particularly good electrically conductive binding of the tube to the electrode layers of the multilayer component can be obtained.

In another embodiment of the functional unit, the tube can be a slit, porous, or perforated tube, or also a tube provided with dents.

Moreover, a method is indicated for the production of an electrical functional unit wherein is formed a stack of green ceramic laminations lying on top of one another. Electrode layers are placed between the green laminations.

The stack thus formed has a hole.

A cover is introduced into the hole.

The cover can, for example, be inserted into the hole or also be pressed in.

Subsequently, the stack is sintered together with the cover.

In a special embodiment of the method, a large number of green ceramic laminations is prepared that are provided with punched openings.

Subsequently, the green laminations are stacked on top of one another in such a way that the openings lie over one another so that they coincide. The hole in the body can then be formed by the openings which lie over one another.

In another variant of the method described here, green ceramic laminations are stacked on top of one another, wherein the green laminations are, however, preferably free of openings. Subsequently, a hole is bored in the green stack thus formed. The cover, for example, in the form of a tube, can be inserted into this hole.

In another embodiment of the method, a tube is selected as the cover whose lateral dimension, measured transverse to the longitudinal direction of the tube, is such that the tube is kept in the hole by shrinkage of the hole during the sintering of the green ceramic laminations.

The result of this is a good mechanical union between the outside wall of the tube and the ceramic material, and a good electrical connection between the tube and the inside electrodes.

Below, an electrical functional unit is explained in more detail with the aid of embodiments and corresponding figures.

FIG. 1 shows, by way of example, a functional unit in a schematic cross section.

FIG. 2 shows an electrical functional unit in a schematic cross section, wherein electrode layers are provided within the body.

FIG. 2A shows the binding of inside electrodes to the inside of the hole.

FIG. 3 shows a contact device and a corresponding cover.

FIG. 4 shows another exemplary cover in an oblique representation.

FIG. 5 shows an oblique representation of a contact spring.

FIG. 6 shows the arrangement of two contact springs in a hole of a body, in accordance with FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 shows the arrangement from FIG. 6, with an additional connecting part.

FIG. 8 shows a contact spring, in the form of a selected tube.

FIG. 9 shows the contact spring from FIG. 8, together with a connecting part and a cover.

FIG. 10 shows three different embodiments for contact springs in the form of selected tubes, in schematic cross sections.

The same elements, or elements which exert the same function, are designated with the same reference symbols.

FIG. 11 shows another electrical functional unit in a schematic cross section, wherein a wire mesh is provided as the contact spring.

FIG. 12 shows an oblique representation of a functional unit with a wire mesh as a contact spring.

In a schematic cross section, FIG. 13 shows, by way of example, an electrical functional unit, wherein a large number of bristles are provided as contact springs.

In an oblique representation, FIG. 14 shows an electrical functional unit with two cavities that are contacted by electrically conductive bristles.

FIG. 1 shows a body 1, which is provided with a cavity 3. The cavity is made to be accessible from the outside, and in the example of FIG. 1 is in the form of a hole or a blind hole. The cavity 3 is not limited to the hole form, but can have arbitrarily different shapes. The cavity 3 need not pass through the body 1. It is only essential that the cavity 3 be accessible from the outside.

In FIG. 1, an electrical contact surface 4 is provided that fits tightly against the surface of the wall 8 of the cavity 3. Preferably, the contact surface 4 is connected in an electrically conductive manner with an electrical functional element 6. A contact device 5 is provided in order to be able to contact the functional element 6 from the outside. The contact device 5 consists of a connecting part 52 that extends longitudinally into the cavity 3 and is accessible from the outside. The connecting part 52 projects from the cavity 3. Contact springs 53 are also provided as a component of the contact device 5; they are pressed together in the interior of the cavity 3 and accordingly, exert forces on the connecting part 52 or on the wall 8 of the cavity 3, as shown by the two double arrows. The contact springs 53, therefore, exert pressure forces that act toward the outside from the interior of the contact springs 53. An electrical contact can be established between the contact surface 4 and the connecting part 52 by these pressure forces. The contact is effected on the one hand at a point where the contact spring 53 presses against the contact surface 4. Furthermore, the contact is effected at the point where the contact spring 53 is connected with the connecting part 52.

FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of the electrical functional unit. The body 1 is formed by a stack of ceramic layers 2 on top of one another. At some points, electrode layers 611 of a first type or electrode layers 612 of a second type are arranged between two ceramic layers 2. A piezoelectric actuator, for example, can be formed by means of such an arrangement. All electrode layers 611 of the first type are placed at a first potential. All electrode layers 612 of the second type are placed at a second potential. In this way, the piezoelectric layers 2 are exposed to an electric field, leading to an expansion of these layers and to an expansion of the body 1 in its longitudinal direction.

Contacting the electrode layers 611, 612 can be achieved, for example, by means of two cavities 3. This means of contacting is represented, in an exemplary way, in FIG. 2. A cavity 3, in the form of a hole, is provided in the longitudinal direction of the body 1. The wall 8 of the hole is provided with a cover 7, which can have, for example, the form of an electrically conductive metal tube. The inside surface of the cover 7 then forms the contact surface 4.

It is advantageous if the hole runs the entire length of the body 1, so that all electrode layers 611 of the first type can be contacted by a contact device.

The cover 7 can, for example, be sintered into the cavity 3. In this way, a good electrical contact is formed between the cover 7 and the electrode layers 611 of the first type. The electrode layers 612 of the second type are designed such that they are sufficiently distant from the cover 7 so that electrical contact, and consequently a short circuit, can be avoided between the two different electric poles. Moreover, good mechanical binding of the cover 7 to the ceramic layers 2, and consequently to the body 1, can be achieved by sintering the cover 7 into the cavity 3.

FIG. 2 would then have to be given a suitable contact device 5 in order to complete the means of contacting the electrode layers 611.

The cover 7 can, for example, be constructed in the form of a tube, for example, a copper tube. The copper tube can have an inside diameter of 1.2 mm. The copper tube has a length of approximately 30 mm, in accordance with the expansion of the body 1. If a larger number of ceramic layers 2 and accordingly, electrode layers 611, 612, are provided, for example, in order to obtain a particularly large deflection of the piezoelectric actuator, copper tubes with a length of 60 mm or even more are also conceivable. Preferably, the material of the cover 7 is selected such that it corresponds to the material of the electrode layers 611, 612. For example, copper or silver-palladium can also be considered as materials for the electrode layers. Accordingly, the same materials can also be used for the cover 7.

In FIG. 2, the movement of the actuator in its longitudinal direction is also effected by the application of an electric voltage to the electrode layers. The actuator expands in the longitudinal direction with application of the voltage; upon removal of the voltage, it contracts in the longitudinal direction.

FIG. 2A shows another variant for contacting the electrode layers 611. In this variant, no cover 7 is used. The electrode layers 611, however, extend to the wall 8 of the cavity 3. There they form a free surface, and consequently a contact surface 4. This contact surface can then be contacted by a suitable contact device, for example, in accordance with FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a contact device 5 in the form of a tube that is slit in the longitudinal direction. Such a tube can be suitably flexed so that upon insertion into the cover 7, which in turn has the form of a tube, it exerts a corresponding elastic force on the inside wall of the cover 7 that acts from the inside to the outside. In this respect, the slit tube forms the contact spring 53. Since the slit tube is not completely inserted into the cover 7 or into the tube forming the cover, a projection remains outside the cover 7, which can also remain outside a body 1, and which thus can form a connecting section 51 of the contact device 5.

The contact device 5 has a longitudinal slit 9 in FIG. 3.

In FIG. 3, a cover 7 in the form of a tube is also shown. The lateral dimension DA of the tube is likewise indicated. With a cylindrical tube, it corresponds to the outside diameter of the tube. This outside diameter can be selected with reference to the hole, in particular, with reference to the hole diameter D, as shown, for example, in FIG. 1, so that the cover 7 is maintained by the sintering forces during sintering into the cavity in the form of a hole. For example, a hole with a diameter of 1.5 mm can be formed in a green body made of green ceramic laminations on top of one another. In the selection of a tube with an outside diameter of 1.4 mm, care can be taken that after sintering the body, the tube is held firmly in the hole.

This is effected by sintering shrinkage, which acts in the direction of the middle of the cavity.

FIG. 4 shows a cover 7 in the form of a screw-like, coiled wire. The wire is a flat wire 10.

The coil represented in FIG. 4 is characterized by the lateral expansion DA of cover 7, by the pitch H of the coil, by the opening A of the coil, and by the width B of the coil, where in the case of a round wire the width B corresponds to the diameter of the round wire.

The following applies: B+A=H.

In the production of a body 1 in the form of a stack of green ceramic laminations, lying on top of one another, a relative longitudinal change L:L0=0.84 can be obtained during sintering in the longitudinal direction—that is, in the stack direction, for example. Here L stands for the length of the stack after sintering and L0, for the length of the stack before sintering. By a suitable selection of the parameters of the coil, it is possible to achieve closing of the coil openings during sintering, and at the same time, not have the coil offer any resistance to the shrinkage since it yields to the sintering shrinkage by closing the openings. A suitable selection of the coil parameters would be found by establishing that:

B/A=L/L0, which is equivalent to: B/(A+B)=L/L0.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of a contact spring 53, which is made in the form of a slit tube in which two flaps 11 are bent toward the inside, laterally toward the inside relative to the tube. Essentially an elastic force can be created by means of these flaps.

FIG. 6 shows how two of the contact springs according to FIG. 5 are arranged in the interior of a circular cavity 3 so as to guarantee a good surface contact with the wall 8 of the cavity 3.

FIG. 7 shows another step for the completion of the contact device 5. A connecting part 52 is also inserted in the middle between the two contact springs 53, wherein the flaps of the contact springs 53 are bent toward the outside, and wherein sufficient elastic forces are ultimately generated to create an electrical contact between the connecting part 52 and the contact surfaces located against the wall 8. The elastic forces produced by the contact springs are in principle directed just like they are represented in FIG. 1.

The hole shown in FIG. 7, which forms the cavity 3, is circular in cross section and has a diameter D of approximately 1.2 mm. By insertion of a connecting part 52 in the form of a central rod with an outside diameter DS of 0.6 to 0.8 mm, it is possible to apply a sufficient radially oriented elastic force with the aid of the contact springs 53.

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of a contact spring 53 in the form of a selected tube.

It is generally true for the contact springs described here that they are preferably made of an elastic material, for example, beryllium-bronze, copper-bronze, or a similar suitable, electrically conductive material.

The contact springs described here exert radial, elastic forces that act between the wall 8 of the cavity 3 and a connecting part 52 or the contact spring itself.

By the selected surface of the tube in FIG. 8 it is also possible, with a suitable configuration—that is, with a suitable diameter of the hole into which the contact spring 53 is inserted—to produce the creation of radial elastic forces.

For example, this is shown in FIG. 9, where a cover in the form of a tube is shown in accordance with FIG. 3. A contact spring 53 in accordance with FIG. 8 is inserted into this cover, wherein the geometrical ratios are selected such that the selected surface of the contact spring 53 exerts a radial elastic force. For additional contact, a connecting part 52 is inserted, in the form of a conductive metal rod, into the middle area of the contact spring 53.

FIG. 10 shows, in a cross section, three different variants for the development of the contact spring 53 according to the example from FIG. 8. Viewing the representations of FIG. 10 from left to right, the contact spring can be formed, viewed in cross section, according to a four-fold, a six-fold, or also an eight-fold symmetry. In accordance with the shaping of the contact spring 53, the connecting part 52—that is, the central rod from FIG. 9—must, along with the given dimensions of the cover 7, be adapted in its diameter according to the design of the contact spring. The diameter of the connecting part 52 increases from left to right.

FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of an electrical functional unit, wherein a wire mesh is provided as the contact spring 53. In accordance with FIGS. 7, 9, and 10, a connecting part 52 in the form of a central rod is again provided in the middle of the cavity 3 for leading the contact out to the outside. Moreover, the structure of the component according to FIG. 11 corresponds to FIG. 2.

The contact spring 53 in the form of a corrugated tube can also be described as a corrugated metal tube.

With the insertion of the contact parts 13, together with the interwoven cords 13, a radially directed elastic force is generated by pressing together the cords 12, wherein the cords 12 or the interwoven cords 12 take over the function of the contact spring 53.

FIG. 12 shows a component in which the contact device is formed in accordance with FIG. 11. The wire mesh that forms the contact spring 53 is made in the form of a braid, as can be seen from FIG. 12, such as is used, for example, to shield conductors. FIG. 12 shows two cavities 3, wherein the cord is completely inserted into the first cavity, while in the second cavity it is just in the process of insertion of the contact spring 53 and the connecting part 52 into the cavity 3 which is shown.

The wire mesh described in FIGS. 11 and 12 can be produced by interweaving individual thin cords 12 with one another.

FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of the contact device, wherein the contact spring 53 is formed from a large number of small bristles 13 that are fixed to a connecting part 52.

FIG. 13 shows how the bristles 13 fixed on a connecting part 52 are selected in their length such that they must be deformed when inserted into the cavity 13, and thus exert a radially directed elastic force. Thus, this shows that the bristles 13 can assume the function of the contact spring 53. The bristles 13 preferably consist of small copper wires, but can also be made of carbon fibers. The connecting part 52 can be produced from wires twisted together with one another, like a bottle brush.

FIG. 14 shows an oblique representation of a piezoelectric component, wherein the different poles are contacted through two different cavities by means of an arrangement in accordance with FIG. 13. The left hole in the stack shows the contact device 5 as it is just being inserted into the hole. The right hole in the piezoelectric stack shows the contact device 5 when it is inserted completely into the corresponding hole. Only the connecting part 52 protrudes from the hole. Additional contacting can be effected by means of the connecting part 52.

In all embodiments which are shown in the figures, the elastic force arises through insertion of the contact device 5 into the cavity or hole. In most cases, a central connecting part 52 is provided that is at a distance from the wall 8 of the cavity 3 because of the contact springs 53. By the insertion of the connecting part or by the insertion of the connecting part 52 and the contacting spring 53 as a whole, a radially directed elastic force is generated that produces an electrical contact between the connecting part and the contact surface 4 or the inside wall of the cover 7.

The production of an electrical functional unit described here can be carried out, for example, in the following manner. A tube, preferably made of copper or also a copper alloy in the case of a copper-piezoelectric-ceramic tube is inserted into a cylindrical hole in the green component. The insertion of the tube therefore takes place before sintering of the green component. The green component is produced by stacking on top of one another and laminating ceramic layers that contain a piezoelectric ceramic.

The hole in the green component can be produced, on the one hand, in that punched laminations are stacked on top of one another. The hole, however, can also be produced after production of the green body by boring, on a milling machine, by means of a laser, or also by means of a water jet. Subsequently, the green component is decarbonized and sintered, wherein sinter shrinkage causes a good mechanical union between the outside wall of the tube and the ceramic material of the component. At the same time, a good electrical union is created between the tube and the electrode layers.

After sintering has taken place, a contact device is used in the cavity in the interior of the tube. This contact device can be constructed in different ways. It should be guaranteed, however, that with a suitable material combination a good electrical contact is assured by means of the contact force produced. Furthermore, it should also be assured that the elastic force which produces the electrical contact is maintained even at the typical operating temperatures between 100° and 150° C., or perhaps even 180° C.

It is possible that the tube forming the cover 7 will break during operation. This does not impair the function of the piezoelectric actuator, however, since each segment of the broken tube is reliably contacted by the contact device.

Contacting from the inside, described here, has that advantage that metallization of the inside wall of the cavity or hole can be produced in any wall thickness, wherein a high mechanical strength and a low susceptibility to mechanical wear can also be produced. Furthermore, the cover of the inside wall can also be reprocessed. Thus, a high number of different contacting methods is made possible.

Structural changes and changes in the mechanical characteristics of the tube material and any cracks formed in the tube influence the function of the functional unit thus produced only insubstantially. The adhesion of the tube is very good due to sintering on of the ceramic material, so that it is more probable that the tube will break into individual elements than that it will become detached from the inside wall of the hole.

Elements for the power supply and perhaps also for the production of a mechanical prestress for a piezoelectric component can be introduced into the interior of the tube.

Since these contact or prestressing elements are introduced only after sintering, there is great freedom here regarding the selection of material and the mode of contacting.

List of Reference Symbols

-   1 Body -   2 Ceramic layer -   3 Cavity -   4 Contact surface -   5 Contact device -   51 Connecting section -   52 Connecting part -   53 Contact spring -   6 Electrical functional element -   611, 612 Electrode layers -   7 Cover -   8 Wall -   9 Longitudinal slit -   10 Wire -   11 Flap -   12 Cord -   13 Bristle -   D Hole diameter -   DA Lateral expansion -   DS Rod diameter -   H Pitch of the coil -   A Opening of the coil -   B Width of the coil -   L Length of the actuator after sintering -   L0 Length of the actuator before sintering 

1-26. (canceled)
 27. An electrical component comprising: a body comprising a stack of ceramic layers, the body having a cavity that is accessible external to the body, the cavity being defined by a wall; a contact surface on the wall; and a contact device electrically connected to the contact surface, at least part of the contact device being external to the body; wherein the contact device comprises a connection part and a spring, the spring being between the body and the connection part, the spring for exerting a spring force on the contact surface.
 28. The electrical component of claim 27, wherein the contact surface is electrically connected to an electrical element in an interior of the body.
 29. The electrical component of claim 27, wherein the contact surface comprises a cover that at least partially covers the wall of the cavity.
 30. The electrical component of claim 27, wherein the connection part comprises a tube projecting out of the cavity.
 31. The electrical component of claim 29, wherein the cover comprises a metallic sheet.
 32. The electrical component of claim 29, wherein the cover comprises metal containing burned-in paste.
 33. The electrical component of claim 29, wherein the cover comprises a conductive adhesive.
 34. The electrical component of claim 29, wherein the cover comprises a helical coiled wire.
 35. The electrical component of claim 27, wherein the contact device comprises an elastic tube that is slotted in a longitudinal direction.
 36. The electrical component of claim 30, wherein the tube comprises metal.
 37. The electrical component of claim 27, wherein the connection part comprises wires that are twisted together.
 38. The electrical component of claim 27, wherein the spring comprises a bent elastic sheet.
 39. The electrical component of claim 27, wherein spring comprises a pipe with an undulating wall.
 40. The electrical component of claim 27, wherein the spring comprises bristles of a duct cleaner brush.
 41. The electrical component of claim 27, wherein the spring comprises wire mesh.
 42. The electrical component of claim 28, wherein the electrical element comprises plurality of electrode layers.
 43. The electrical component of claim 29, wherein the cover is sintered in the cavity.
 44. The electrical component of claim 27, which generates mechanical stresses during operation.
 45. The electrical component of claim 29, wherein the cavity comprises a hole in the body, and wherein the cover comprises a pipe having a shape that corresponds substantially to a shape of the hole.
 46. The electrical component of claim 45, wherein the pipe is held in place by forces directed towards an interior of the hole and that result from contraction due to sintering.
 47. The electrical component of claim 28, wherein the electrical element comprises plurality of electrode layers; wherein the cavity comprises a hole in the body and the cover comprises a pipe having a shape that corresponds substantially to a shape of the hole; and wherein the pipe comprises a same material as at least one of the electrode layers.
 48. The electrical component of claim 45, wherein the pipe is a slotted, porous, perforated, or dented.
 49. A method of producing an electrical component, comprising: forming a stack of ceramic green films, the stack having a hole that is accessible from external to the stack; inserting a cover into the hole; and sintering the stack together with the cover.
 50. The method of claim 49, wherein forming the stack of ceramic green layers comprises: preparing a plurality of ceramic green films, at least some of the ceramic green films comprising stamped through-holes; and stacking the plurality of ceramic green films so that the through-holes substantially align to form the hole.
 51. The method of claim 49, further comprising boring the hole through the stack of ceramic green films.
 52. The method of claim 49, wherein the cover comprises a pipe; and wherein the pipe is held in the hole by contraction of the hole during the sintering. 